We are quite enamored by Clara's new sleeping position.
I'm a little weary tonight. Yesterday was such a happy day. We figured out why that was. We didn't talk to the doctor yesterday. No news is good news. Today we spoke with him twice. He really is such a great man and we are grateful for his kindness and expertise. I have picked up on the facial expressions that signal he's about to deliver some not so pleasant news. I don't think he really liked telling us that after her 6 rounds of chemotherapy and surgery we will go to Seattle for 2 solid 32-50 day stays while they perform the stem cell transplant. We didn't like hearing it either. But, we accept it and will do whatever we need to do to help our Clara get better.
This isn't a disease of convenience. There are millions of people who know this better than we do. One day at a time, is our new motto. To go beyond that is too overwhelming. I'm learning lessons of patience and submitting to the will of the Lord. It is impossible to ignore His hand in preparing me for this trial and in strengthening me throughout it. He knows me. He knows Clara. He knows you. His plan is perfect and His love is for all.
“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire."
14 comments:
There are moments in life that words can't describe. As I have followed the weeks events as a silent witness to your heartache; I am speechless. What can be said of a parents love? Through your pictures and words I see your faith, your strength and your bravery. How comforting it is to see the pictures of Christ & President Monson watching over your Clara as she lays sleeping.
I am a member, a convert to the church when I was 18, I'm happily married for 11 years and have 4 kids. My oldest, Oliver, age 9 was diagnsoed with DIPG a brainstem tumor which they told us would have 9 - 12 months to live. It's been 17 months and he's still been fairly stable. It's been a trial of my faith in so many ways. I've gained strength by reading others stories... thank you. I pray that all will be well with Clara.
Stacy Palmer
www.oliverpalmer.blogspot.com
Waterloo, Iowa
We found your blog through a friend... You have such a sweet family and display such faith and trust in our Father in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Big hugs from Utah!
The Huish Family
www.teamsadie.com
My name is Kirsten and my daughter, Rhema, has a cancer called desmoplastic small round cell tumors. She is currently an in-patient at Seattle Children's Hospital. We are in room 3283, please feel free to look us up when you get here. Altho our daughters have different cancers, I know your journey....sadly many of us do. I have found in our 2+ years of cancer treatments that other families are a steadfast supply of love and strength. Blessings to you and your whole family.....
Kirsten Butler
mom to Rhema
www.caringbridge.org/visit/rhemabutler
The good news (if you can call it that) is that you have friends who love you in Seattle!!!
Natasha you are my hero. My only hope is that when trials like this come my way that I will be able to handle them with as much grace, faith, and goodness as you do. I have cried hundreds of tears and said hundreds of prayers for you this week, and will continue to pray for you all in the weeks and months to come...
Your and Brian's faith in the face of this trial is just amazing to me. I don't know that I can say how I would handle it, because I think that no one does until they are in such a situation. I can only hope that I would remember to lean on that faith the way that you all have.
We will continue to pray for Clara and your family throughout her treatments. You are so right. Heavenly Father knows that beautiful little girl, just as He knows each of us. He is watching over her.
P.S.
Her little arm across her face is just too cute! Rest up, little Clara!
Thomasene & I were roomies at BYU a long time ago. She just shared your blog site with me. You have a beautiful family and will be in our prayers. Thank you for sharing your faith and strength with others!
How can you be so inspiring to us all amidst every mother's greatest nightmare? Thank you for taking the time to share with us as you take this day by day. May you continue to find peace and may Clara be out of pain and able to smile for you. We love you all so much. You will be in our hearts and prayers constantly.
Constantly in our hearts and prayers! Grateful for the example your family is.
oh sweet Clara! You are on mind all day, every day. Natasha you are so strong. You are being so blessed. And it is amazing to look back and see how the Lord prepares you for hard trials like this one. His is in the details and He loves us all. Your daughter is an angel. So valiant and strong. I wish I could hold her.
Hi,
I just heard about your daughter Clara and I will keep her & your family in my thoughts.
I live in Burlington, VT, just moved here last year from Seattle, and was at a fundraiser earlier this year for a friend's son who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.
Anyway, just wanted to make sure you had heard of the clinic here in Burlington, run by Dr. Sholler. She is doing amazing, very forward thinking research and having incredible results. I'll attach the link to their website.
http://www.nballiance.org/
All the best, Sarah
I just want you to know Clara and your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Caringbridge.com is a Fabulous way to keep in touch with those who are praying for you!!! May God Bless YOU!!!
I went to put Clara's name on the temple prayer roll Friday night and there was one name already on the list. It was Clara's. It made me wonder how many times this little one's name had already been submitted and all those people who love you and are praying for you. Your faith is strengthening ours, and I'm grateful. We continue to pray for you and your family.
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